Israelis Who Lost Parents to Terror to Get Retroactive Payment

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Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, pictured, said Israel’s commitment to the victims of terrorism and their families is “rock solid.” Photo: Wikpedia.

JNS.org – Israelis whose parents were killed by terrorists between the Jewish state’s founding in 1948 and October 2000 will get a lump sum of 200,000 shekels ($51,000) under a new agreement struck by Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Welfare and Social Services Minister Haim Katz.

The measure, which requires an appropriation of about $2 million from the Israeli government, will affect roughly 40 families. The two ministers will introduce legislation to amend the relevant law when Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Legislation convenes on Sunday. The measure is expected to pass and to be submitted to the Knesset for final approval.

Over the years, the Knesset has approved legislation gradually expanding the criteria for the compensatory payment. The latest amendment was made in 2011, but it did not apply to terrorist attacks that preceded October 2000.

“This rights a wrong,” Kahlon told Israel Hayom. “It is a small tweak that undoes the discriminatory practices that have been in place for too many years. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to alleviate their pain, but I hope that this payment will be of some help to all those who were denied it under the existing law. The State of Israel’s commitment when it comes to the victims of terrorism and their families is rock solid. We must make sure they get as many benefits as possible.”